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The knowledge of Christ as King provides comfort and hope
for those who trust in him. In Paul‘s statement ―Then… he (Christ)
will deliver the Kingdom to his Father,‖ (1 Cor. 15:2) Calvin
discerns a two stage process to the establishment of God‘s
sovereignty and man‘s obedience. The first stage comes with
Christ‘s sovereign rule over the church after his ascension. This
sovereignty is ―spiritual‖ in the sense that its full power and
influence will only be realized at the end of the age. With Christ‘s
return, the distinct sovereignty of Christ over the church will then
be extended to all creation as all things are brought under
subjection to God.
Prior to Christ‘s return, the church orders its life and ministry
according to Christ the King. Christ‘s Kingdom is not ―of this
world‖ in that it is not ―earthly or carnal and hence subject to
corruption, but spiritual, it lifts us up even to eternal life.‖ 188
Though spiritual, the impact of Christ‘s Kingdom upon the faithful
in their everyday existence is profound. It‘s benefits are the trust
and hope in God it provides even in the worst of circumstance.
Thus it is that we may patiently pass through this life with its
misery, hunger, cold, contempt, reproaches, and other
troubles—content with this one thing: that our King will
never leave us destitute, but will provide for our needs until
our warfare ended, we are called to triumph. Such is the
nature of his rule, that he shares with us all that he has
received from the Father. Now he arms and equips us with
his power, adorns us with his beauty and magnificence,
enriches us with his wealth. These benefits then give us the
most fruitful occasion to glory, and also provide us with
confidence to struggle fearlessly against the devil, sin, and
death. Finally, clothed with his righteousness, we can
valiantly rise above all the world‘s reproaches: and just as he
himself freely lavishes his gifts upon us, so may we, in
return, bring forth fruit to his glory. 189
188 Institute 2.15.4.
189 ibid.